About the Love Course
Davis Love, III has accomplished many things in his time in the golf industry. Most golf enthusiasts know him as a tournament champion, but recently Love has been getting noticed for his award-winning designs as well, and his talents are certainly on display at the Love Course at Barefoot Resort, a par-72 that encompasses more than 7,000 yards. Similar to the Fazio Course, Loves uses a mix of GN-1 on the fairways, Tif-sport Bermuda grass on the approaches and A-1 bentgrass on the course’s greens.
Love’s unique flair for tradition can be found first on No. 4, an intriguing par-4 measuring just 280 yards from the black tees. Despite playing uphill and being guarded by bunkers and water, this hole is drivable for many players. But be careful of balls that are hit too long, as there are Scottish castle ruins just beyond the green.
If you like a good dare, you will love the 13th. This short par-5 provides players all the risk/reward they can handle. A solid drive will leave you with eagle opportunities, but be cautious of the right side. A meandering stream guards that side of the green complex.
Love has always been known as a solid finisher on the course, and he continues that trend with his finishing hole at Barefoot Resort. At 596 yards from the platinum tee, this is no two-shot hole, but does provide plenty of drama. Your tee shot must be placed on the right-side of the fairway to avoid a waste area on the left. The lay-up shot must avoid water to the left and find a quickly narrowing fairway neck. Your final wedge of the day will be memorable, as narrow greens will yield few birdies, but it can happen.
The Awards
The Architect
Golf pedigree. That is term that comes to mind when you think of Davis Love, III. Born on the Monday following the 1964 Masters in Charlotte, N.C., Love was quickly acquainted with the game. His father shared the first-round lead in that very event and went on to play in all four majors. As we know, Love, III picked up right where his father left off, winning 20 career PGA events to date, including one major. His victory at Winged Foot in 1997 was one of the most memorable in PGA history.
Beyond the course, Love has recently begun a prolific golf course design career. His firm, Love Golf Design, is headquartered in St. Simons Island, Ga. and has produced several notable courses, including his exploits at Barefoot Resort. Love Golf Design specializes in both new designs and renovations. Along with his brother Mark and several golf design veterans, Love Golf Design has created a strong brand-name in the industry. Notable designs and renovations include: Kinderlou Forest and Laurel Island, both located in southern Georgia, and the University of Georgia Club.
